H. Schussman's Interview with Venita Louise

Venita Louise Interview

Heidi:

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I live in Southern California and collect books, dust, and thoughts. Lots of thoughts. So many that I keep a list of them on my web site. I am most often found glued to my computer or reading.

Heidi:

What genre do you write?

Venita:

Wow, I wish I knew. I certainly don't recommend being eclectic but that is what I am. I started with romance and moved on to humor to accommodate a challenge and then mystery and paranormal. 

Heidi:

When did you start writing?

Venita:

I got kind of a late start, as with just about everything in my life. I have always been involved in the arts though. I was a portrait artist for many years but after getting a taste of how many changes people wanted for their images, more hair, straighter teeth, smaller nose and fewer wrinkles, I moved on to drawing and painting animals. Pets are not so particular and never insist that you remove their freckles.

Long ago, back in the late 1900's :) I woke one morning with an idea for a story in my head. I tried to forget about it but my mind is very insistent, especially in the mornings. I often hear it say, "oh good, you're awake!" before it begins its tirade of obscure ideas. I gave in after a few weeks of obsessive thought-lashings about it and sat down at my computer to drain my brain. Nine months later, 'In The Rough' was born. This romance novel was eventually published by Loose-Id in digital format but is only available through my website now,www.venitalouise.net  

Heidi:

What are you working on now?

Venita:

Actually, it is a mystical/supernatural novel, sprinkled with humor and lessons I have learned from my own challenges and transformation. It takes me a little longer to finish stories now. Aside from working full time, I sing lead in two bands that my husband and I put together. The original band is called, White Smoke. We perform all of our original music that we have written together, the other is a cover band called Meridian, very eclectic and covering popular songs from the 30's to current songs on the pop chart. Needless to say it I have to juggle my time. 

Heidi:

Who is your favorite character in your stories?

Venita:

I love the character I am writing now, Xoni, she's funny, doubts herself a little and is struggling to believe the strange and mysterious things that are happening to her. Of my previous works, I would have to say I like Tom Trask, a 1940's hard-working, hard-drinking, lady-loving detective. His humor is dry and a little sarcastic but when he falls in love it's the forever kind and Olivia is a lucky girl. 

Heidi:

Do you see yourself in any of your characters?

Venita:

Most of my characters love excitement and surprises. I'm more of a routine kind of person, not exactly rigid but more introverted than they are. We do share the same type of humor though. Without humor, I would have been dead a long time ago. 

Heidi:

Where do you write? Describe your workspace?

Venita:

I have a little nook in one corner of my living room where I write. My desk is usually cluttered with notes, reference material and Diet Pepsi cans. My husband tells me if I would simply get organized, my writing would flow more freely. I just laugh and explain that it is my 'comfort clutter' that helps me to write in a feasible manner.  

Heidi:

Who are your all-time favorite authors?

Venita:

I love the descriptive writings of Jack London. I belonged to The California Writer's Club for over five years which was founded by Jack London. I like Stephen King when I feel like having the bejeebers scared out of me. Erma Bombeck and Loretta LaRoche have had me doubled over at times. I also like Mary Roach who wrote, Stiff and Gulp, stories of cadavers and gastric systems. Her writing could almost be considered a mystery writer's reference guide because of her detail to science, but her humor keeps it quite readable. 

Heidi:

Did you find writing a query letter a challenge? If so, how did you overcome it? Do you think there was a key phrase or idea in your query letter?

Venita:

You bet I did. I don't think I will ever think I have it conquered. It's just something that is necessary if you want to be published. I feel better about a query letter that describes the story without a personal opinion of it, or myself. 

Heidi:

What advice do you have for a writer aspiring to be published?

Venita:

Don't give up. When you have enough rejection letters to paper a room, consider yourself a professional. 

Heidi:

Would you like to acknowledge someone for their help/assistance/faith in you?

Venita:

First, I would like to acknowledge Dawn Carrington and Vinspire (formerly Vintage) Publishing for believing in me.

My son, Joel, may he rest in peace, he always encouraged my creativity. Bernice Bowers for her continued enthusiasm for my work and of course to my husband, BJ, for his help and faith, but most of all for understanding that writers need quite a bit of alone time.

Thank you, Heidi, for giving the writers at Vinspire more exposure and the opportunity for readers to know them better.

Heidi:

Absolutely! I enjoy it immensely.

Venita Louise invites you to visit her at:

Meridian

Check out 'Just For Laughs'

BookTrailers

Facebook

H. Schussman's Interview With A.J. Cattapan

H. Schussman's Interview With A.J. Cattapan

Heidi:

First, Amy, tell us a little about yourself and your upcoming release.

Amy:

I'm a middle school English teacher who lives and works in the Chicago area and writes under the name A.J. Cattapan. I like to use my initials as a nod to some of my favorite authors, such as J.K. Rowling and L.M. Montgomery. I've always enjoyed writing but didn't get serious about trying to get published until ten years ago. After years of "small successes," such as short stories and magazine articles, I'm finally getting my first novel published!

My debut novel is a young adult story called Angelhood about a teenaged guardian angel who needs to watch over a suicidal fourteen-year-old girl. It's a little like "It's a Wonderful Life," except my poor guardian angel Nanette not only doesn't have her wings yet, she also doesn't have a tangible voice or body. That makes it pretty hard for her to communicate with the girl she's supposed to watch over! Plus, Nanette is haunted by memories of her own tragic death and is not sure she could convince anyone that life is worth living.

Heidi:

What genre do you write?

Amy:

I've tried my hand at a number of genres, particularly at the middle grade and young adult level. I've written everything from contemporary to sci-fi to mystery, but my debut novel is a young adult supernatural story.

Heidi:

When did you start writing?

Amy:

I guess back in the third grade because I have evidence of it! I have one of those sheets of paper for practicing your cursive, and on it I wrote a story about a girl named Amy (using my own name was really original, huh?) who grew up and married a boy whose name was exactly the same as one of my classmates! Good thing I've gotten better at naming my characters a bit more creatively!

Heidi:

What are you working on now?

Amy:

I have two projects that need revision: a spiritual travel memoir and a middle grade mystery. Plus, I've got another Chicken Soup for the Soul entry I'm hoping to get published. My first Chicken Soup for the Soul entry appeared in their From Lemons to Lemonade edition.

Heidi:

Who is your favorite character in your stories? 

Amy:

I don't have a favorite, but I do enjoy the way some of them surprise me from time to time. There's a mentor guardian angel that pops up in Angelhood  that I wasn't planning on writing, but when I got to that particular scene, she just showed up as she was. I don't want to spoil anything, so I can't say much. Let's just say I didn't expect her to be quite the way she ended up.

Heidi:

Do you see yourself in any of your characters?

Amy:

Yes. All of them actually. My main character Nanette was a theater geek in high school, and so was I. In fact, I did community theater and one professional acting gig in my twenties. Her little sister is a ballerina. I studied ballet for two years. Nanette becomes a guardian angel who watches over a suicidal girl named Vera who writes poetry a la Emily Dickinson. I wrote some poetry when I was in high school and college, but I think Vera's poetry is better than mine. At least, I hope so! And since I'm an English teacher in real life, I'm sure some of my teaching style seeped its way into that of Vera's English teacher, Ms. Kitchin.

Heidi:

Where do you write? Describe your workspace?

Amy:

Sometimes I write at home sitting on my couch, but often I'll take my laptop and go to a coffee shop or a library. I need "white noise" in the background, and I need to be somewhere where I'm not going to be tempted to take care of a load of laundry or answer the phone. Coffee shops (or tea shops) are helpful because my writing seems to run well on chai lattes.

Heidi:

Who are your all-time favorite authors?

Amy:

If I could write young adult literature like J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter) or L.M. Montgomery (Anne of Green Gables) in which characters are so beloved that people fall in love with them and really want to know what happens to them, I'd be a very happy author.

Heidi:

Did you find writing a query letter a challenge? If so, how did you overcome it? Do you think there was a key phrase or idea in your query letter?

Amy:

Writing a query letter was a challenge at first. I think I've just kept getting better and better at it. It's almost easier for me to write a query letter for someone else's book than it is for me to write my own. One thing that helped me a lot was reading other people's query letters. Literary agent Janet Reid has an awesome blog in which people submit their query letters and then she explains why they do or don't work. If they don't work, they are welcome to resubmit. For anyone struggling with a query letter, I highly recommend reading through her archives. She really boils it down to the basics: 1) Tell who your main character is, 2) Tell what your main character needs to do, and 3) Explain what horrible thing will happen if your main character does not succeed.

Heidi:

What advice do you have for a writer aspiring to be published?

Amy:

First, don't give up. Second, realize you're in this for the long haul. It's taken me ten years to get to a published novel, but I'm seeing all that hard work pay off. It takes time to learn the craft of writing, and it takes even more time to learn the business of writing. See every step you take as getting one step closer to your goal. In the end, I'm really happy it's taken me this long to get here. It's given me time to learn so much that I can apply as my book launches. If my first novel manuscript had sold, I wouldn't have been ready to handle all the social media demands necessary for promotion, and I wouldn't have had all the wonderful contacts with writers who can help me promote it.

Also, join writers' groups. If it wasn't for my three writing groups, I wouldn't have gotten Angelhood published.  From the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators, I learned a lot about the craft of writing and the publishing business in general. From the American Christian Fiction Writers, I found critique partners who helped me revise Angelhood. From the Mystery Writers of America, I found my publisher, Vinspire! Without any of those three, I don't think this book would have found a publishing home. Also, I now have lots of writing connections, which are paying off as I start to promote my book.

Heidi:

Would you like to acknowledge someone for their help/assistance/faith in you/etc?

Amy:

Definitely my critique partners through ACFW! Their help and support has been amazing. And also, Dawn, our editor-in-chief at Vinspire, for being willing to take a chance on a young adult book that tackles the difficult topic of teen suicide from a hopeful Christian perspective without sugar-coating any of the nitty-gritty details.

I'm also blessed to have a wonderful team of friends who are helping me put together my launch parties and my blog tour.

Heidi:

When is Angelhood available and how can we learn more about it?

Amy:

Angelhood releases on April 30, 2015. I'll be having a launch party on Facebook that day. Follow me on Facebook to hear all the details. We'll be holding lots of games and giving away lots of prizes. So come check it out! You can also visit my website for more info.

Here's where you can find me online . . .

A.J. Cattapan's Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Pinterest

El Tiburon's Baby Steps Towards Publication

A drizzly day in Italy

Each step of this publishing journey is new to me. I find myself getting excited over every detail. My book cover was cool, but I kept waiting to see it in the "Coming Soon" section at Vinspire Publishing. I waited. I began to wonder if this was all a fairy tale and no one was going to actually publish it...and then I clicked on the tab and down in the bottom left-hand corner was my book! I don't actually know when "Soon" is, but I'm guessing this fall.

But I was still surprised (and a little disappointed) I wasn't listed under "Our Authors". I know, I know, I'm getting demanding, but I couldn't help myself. I wanted to be on that list so bad :)  And then a couple of days ago Dawn Carrington, Editor-in-Chief, asked for some photos and my bio. I sent them off, checked a couple of days later, and there I was!

Now I'm wondering when I'll get my manuscript back to make the million corrections I'm sure are forthcoming. Right now it's in the mysterious dark abyss of the editor's office.

H. Schussman interviews Judith Ingram

Judith Ingram Interview

Heidi:

First, Judith, tell us a little about yourself?

Judith:

I was born and raised in the San Francisco East Bay Area and got so spoiled with the beautiful weather and scenery that I'm still here! I've been married to my favorite person in the world for 43 years. We have one daughter and one granddaughter. I've worked as a counselor and as a copyeditor, taught grammar and Bible, and love reading, walking, and watching movies. I'm an INTJ (a Meyers-Briggs Temperament type), my favorite color is ocean blue, my favorite animal is feline, and I like my coffee black and bold.

Heidi:

What genre do you write?

Judith:

Genre is a moving target for me. I've written inspirational nonfiction and a paranormal (time-travel) romance trilogy. The novel I'm working on right now I'd call Christian romantic suspense. I also post weekly Christian devotionals about forgiveness on my blog; when I get to 365, I'll pull them all together into a book, Forgiving Day-by-Day (only 269 entries left to go!).

Heidi:

When did you start writing?

Judith:

My first memorable writing project was a short story I wrote in first grade about a poodle. It was reprinted in the school newsletter—my first publishing success! I was fascinated by my aunt's old Underwood typewriter, and I tapped out sheets and sheets of meandering stories just so I could staple them together to make "books." I don't recall a definitive moment when I decided I was a writer; I just always felt like one.

Heidi:

What are you working on now?

Judith:

I just started first-round edits on Into the Mist, the final book in my time-travel romance trilogy, due for release in July 2015 from VinspirePublishing. This third book in the series brings to a climax the story of Victoria and Katherine, two women born over a century apart who suddenly awaken in each other's bodies. Each finds hope, romance, and a family to love in the other woman's world. As the year of exchange draws to a close, however, each fears she will lose all she has gained unless she finds a way to outwit destiny and hold tight to her borrowed life.

Heidi:

Who is your favorite character in your stories?

Judith:

My favorite human character has to be Michael, Victoria's romantic interest. He is so honest, tender, and funny; I enjoyed every scene I wrote for him. In so many ways he reflects my husband, whom I definitely adore! My favorite non-human character is Henry, the cat, who steadfastly befriends Katherine's shy little brother, Robbie. Ever the shrewd judge of character, Henry confirms for the reader whom to love and whom to hate in the novel.

Heidi:

Do you see yourself in any of your characters?

Judith:

Oh, yes! I am Victoria, and I am Katherine, my two protagonists! Those two characters, with all their flaws and longings, grew right out of my own heart. Just like them, I survived an abusive childhood that haunted me, and it was through my personal recovery in therapy that their story emerged as a tale that needed to be told. I am convinced that our darkest experiences can provide fertile material for storytelling if we will do the brave work of facing them truthfully.

Heidi:

Where do you write? Describe your workspace.

Judith:

My favorite place to write is at my desk in my little home study, surrounded by books and pictures of the people and places I love best. My window faces east, so California sunshine greets me with optimism most mornings. I need quiet when I write. I don't play music or write in busy places like coffee shops. I am by nature so single-minded that I can hardly talk and drive a car at the same time. I write the same way, totally immersed in my story or essay. I prefer typing on the computer to writing longhand because I can get the words out faster.

Heidi:

If you could change places with your favorite author for one week, who would it be?

Judith:

No question, I would change places with Daphne du Maurier. I would love to feel the magic of her genius flow through my fingers and appear on manuscript pages. Perhaps if I didn't take time to eat or sleep, I could write a manuscript as enduring as Rebecca in that seven-day gift of time!

Heidi:

Describe your experience of querying agents and publishers. Any tips?

Judith:

My first published book, A Devotional Walk with Forgiveness, is a five-week daily excursion into the reasons why forgiveness is important and how we can begin to practice it. The book works well as a study text for small groups, and a couple of groups went through the study while the book was still in its draft form. A friend of mine who went through the study mentioned the book to another friend, who just happened to be a published author herself. This author generously offered to introduce me to her publisher if I would send along a query letter. The publisher was looking for just this sort of book and eventually offered me a contract. Tip: Write the best book you possibly can and then stand behind it. Your query letter is your opportunity to convince an agent or a publisher exactly how and why readers everywhere will be better off with your book in their hands. Believe it!

Heidi:

What advice do you have for a writer aspiring to be published?

Judith:

Find ways to connect with published authors, editors, and book marketers. Join a local writers group, attend writers’ conferences, and network online with others who have similar interests to yours. In my experience most authors are glad to share their knowledge and help other writers to achieve their publishing goals. Learn how to promote yourself and your work without apology, and be ready to take the next step when the door opens (and it will!).

Heidi:

What is your favorite thing about writing?

Judith:

Among the many things I enjoy about writing, one of my favorites is being surprised when I write. For example, a fiction character may reveal something about herself that I didn't know when I sat down to write a scene, or she will generate dialogue that I did not intend to write. Often when I write inspirational nonfiction, something wise or profound will present itself in the mere process of typing out my thoughts. Writing is wonderfully mysterious and creative.

Heidi:
How can your fans connect with you?
Judith:
Lots of ways...

Website (includes weekly devotional on forgiving)

Facebook Page

Goodreads 

LinkedIn 

Twitter

Amazon

H. Schussman's Interview With Dee Owen

Marjorie Owen

Dee Owen Interview

Heidi:

First, Dee, tell us a little about yourself.

Dee:

I am not an author, but love to read. I am retired and decided to transcribe Marjorie Owen’s (my deceased mother-in-law) writings for publication. I have recently moved to Cyprus.

Heidi:

What made you decide to move to the Cyprus?

Dee:

We have lived in the USA for over thirty years. Born in England but travelled the world. The reason we left USA was for several reasons. The first was due to Hurricane Charley hitting us in Punta Gorda, Florida. We had spent nearly eight years re-modeling our ‘ideal home’ and it was very badly damaged in the hurricane. We had been away for a month in our motor home and could not get back to our home for two weeks, therefore more damage was done. Once we were able to get back to our home, three more hurricanes went over us!  We fixed up the house and sold it very quickly. Another reason for leaving was Mike, my husband, needed to retire. He was working all hours and getting burnt out. Also, both being self-employed, we found medical insurance very expensive to have proper coverage.

We chose to retire to Panama, Central America, bought a lovely house and stayed four years. Unfortunately, we had to have metal bars on all windows and doors for safety. It became more like a ‘prison’ and many of our friends had suffered home invasions, some even injured or killed. So we thought, where do we go in the world?  For some unknown reason Malta came up. We moved and stayed in Malta for four years. Loved it, but it is a very small Island.

Where next?  We have good friends in Cyprus and have visited several times…so here we are…giving it a try!

Heidi:

What genre did Marjorie Owen write?

Dee:

She wrote English Detective Mysteries. I would love to write and may try one day!  The only writing I do at the moment is on my blog, Book Readers. I still have two books and about fifty short stories of  Mum’s to transcribe.

Heidi:

When did Marjorie start writing?

Dee:

I am not sure when Mum started writing. But Mike and I believe she began back in the 50’s.

Heidi:

What are you working on now?

Dee:

Nothing at the moment, but I plan to start working on one of Mum’s love story books. She wrote two mysteries, now published with Vinspire and two love story books.

Heidi:

Who is your favorite character in her stories?

Dee:

Well it has to be Chief Detective Inspector Richard Haywood. Who couldn’t love him?

Heidi:

Do you see yourself in any of her characters?

Dee:

Not really. Perhaps CDI Richard Haywood’s wife Kate, or her sister Lucy.

Heidi:

Where did Marjorie write?

Dee:

Good question. Where did Mum write? We believe in her little flat over-looking the park in Burgess Hill, Sussex, England which is part of the setting in ‘Ladies of Class’ renamed Burshill.

Heidi:

Who were her favorite authors?

Dee:

Mum loved Agatha Christie, also Lilian Jackson Braun who wrote the ‘Cat Who’ series. Mum spent many hours in the Burgess Hill library, and was well know to the Librarians who would always keep books on hand for her.

Heidi:

Did you find writing a query letter a challenge? If so, how did you overcome it? Do you think there was a key phrase or idea in your query letter?

Dee:

As a novice I had to go to the library, read, and learn how to write a query letter. Many were rejected until our wonderful publisher, Dawn Carrington agreed to read and publish Mum’s first book.

Heidi:

What advice do you have for a writer aspiring to be published?

Dee:

Believe in yourself, write from the heart, and keep writing.

Heidi:

Would you like to acknowledge someone for their assistance?

Dee:

Yes, I give my sincere thanks to Dawn for helping me, in more ways that can be expressed, to honor Mum’s memory and writings.

Heidi:

How can Marjorie's readers learn more about her and her writings?

Dee:

Either Vinspire or Book Readers